Conker Nature Magazine: Winter | February 2022 | Volume V Issue I

LET'S VISIT Italy

WINTER | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL V ISSUE I

Wildlife Winter Romance of Great Crested Grebes

Bringing back beavers Re-introduction success

h t i w s w e i v r e t n I DAN KNIGHT AND SANDI MONGER

DEPARTING WINTER

WILDLIFE

MAGAZINE

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FOUNDER Editor-in-chief Lucy Morris Instagram @lucymorriswild Email: lucymorriswildmedia@gmail.com

Sally Marie Angela Mitchell Zoe Richards Heather Wilkins Darren Wynne Jaquelyn Rodgers Eric Jones Anna Clarke Laszlo Balogh Jenny Murphy Simon Hughes

Executive Editor Editor Junior Editor Advertising Director Photography Director Deputy Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor Proofreader Contributor Logo Illustrator Digital Editor Digital Co-Editor

EDITORIAL OFFICE Wildlife photography, art, and written articles are welcomed, once images are submitted they become the property of Conker Nature Magazine; which will be used to promote the magazine if needed, not for any other purpose.

Please send j.pegs images to conkernaturephotography@gmail.com Conker Nature Magazine is published

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www.conkernature.com FRONT COVER: Dan Knight SECOND PAGE: Elena Esina

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CONKER NATURE TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL V ISSUE I

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LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THIS MONTHS LETTER FROM CONKER NATURE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LUCY MORRIS. AS SHE DISCUSSES WINTER COMING TO A CLOSE

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WILDLIFE WINTER ROMANCE LOVE IS IN THE AIR IN FEBRUARY AS FREYA SALTER DELVES INTO THE COURTSHIP DANCE OF THE GREAT CRESTED GREBES

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WINTER SUNSET

PHOTOGRAPHER EVSTRATOV VIKTOR CAPTURES SUNSET IN WINTER LANDSCAPES

27 - 29

LETS VISIT: GRAN SASSO PARK EXPLORE THE RUGGED AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES, THE VARIETY OF WILDLIFE THAT RESIDES THERE - AND THE STORY AND HISTORY OF THE GRAN SASSO PARK, ITALY.

30 - 34 THE WINTER WILDLANDS PHOTOGRAPHER GORDON ROACH SHOWCASES HIS WINTER WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Pho tog rap her : Ev stra tov Vik tor

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35 - 47 BEGINS WITH CREATIVITY PHOTOGRAPHER KIRAN NAVALE SHOWCASES SPECIES SUCH AS THE BENGAL TIGER, INDIAN WILD DOGS, ORANGUTANS, RHINOS, LEMURS, AND MANY MORE.

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CONKER NATURE TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL V ISSUE I

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PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT DAN KNIGHT IS A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN MANY NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATION COMPANIES SUCH AS ITV ETC

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LANDSCAPE AND NATURE COLLECTION SCOTT DUFFIELD SHOWCASES A COLLECTION OF LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETIC NATURE SCENES TO COMPLIMENT HIS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AND SHOW HABITATS

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BRINGING BACK BEAVERS THE GREATEST OF RECENT 21ST CENTURY REINTRODUCTION STORIES TO TAKE PLACE IN BRITAIN. WRITTEN BY LAURA MORRELL

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ENDING OF DULLNESS

Photographer: Ondrej Prosicky

ESCAPE TO WINTER LANDSCAPES AND NATURE BY PHOTOGRAPHER OLGA EZHENEVSKAYA

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96 - 102 SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW THIS MONTH WE INTERVIEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, SANDI MONGER ON HER EXPERIENCES IN THE INDUSTRY.

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CONKER NATURE TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL V ISSUE I

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BEARDED TIT IN SUNRISE BEARDED TITS IN BEAUTIFUL EARLY MORNING SUNRISE BY PHOTOGRAPHER ROOS BRUIJNS

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SKILLED HUNTERS, DOMINATORS OF THE AIR & MASTER OF FLIGHT SKILLFUL, DOMINATING, POWERFUL; THESE ARE BIRDS OF PREY TAKEN BY PHOTOGRAPHER RAFFAELE PIAZZOLLA

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WINTER IN THE MARSHLANDS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER SCOTT DUFFIELD SHOWCASES WHAT WINTER IN THE MARSHLANDS IS LIKE IN FEBRUARY

126 - 130 WALK THIS WAY WALK THIS WAY ACROSS THE PEAK DISTRICT. DISCOVER THE 'DRAGON'S BACK', SADDLEWORTH MOOR AND MONSAL DALE BRIDGE AND LANDSCAPE

132 - 139 VISITING WINTER PHOTOGRAPHER TANYA DOROZHKO SHOWCASES WINTER IMAGES AS WINTER DEPARTS

140 - 150 WINTER BIRDS Photographer: karlum briaco

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PHOTOGRAPHER EVSTRATOV VIKTOR CLOSES OUT OUR WINTER COLLECTION WITH BULLFINCHES AND BERRIES AS WELL AS SOME LONG-TAILED TITS. WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 06

As winter comes to a close, there is a feel of spring in the air, from the blooming snowdrops to the budding daffodils that line roadside verges.

This month is also the start of when nature's instinct starts kicking in for the breeding season such as the great crested grebes courtship, and birds are beginning to sing their songs more frequently!

Lucy Morris Editor-in-chief LJM

Image: Wild Media photography

This month marks a special occasion for me and our team in Dorset, its marks one year of beaver re-introductions after an absent of four centuries.

As a mark for this special occasion, we delve into the story of the beaver re-introduction in britain and how the re-introductions are going presently.

I hope you enjoy this closure for this winter as our spring collection blooms up.

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Wildlife Winter Romance FEBRUARY NATURE CALENDER Words by Contributor - Freya Salter IG: @wildlife_drummer_girL

Photographer: Henk Bogaard WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Love is in the air in February, from the incredible mating dance by the Great Crested Grebe to some of our wonderful garden birds that are searching for a partner! Learn more about these two different wildlife spectacles happening in February, possibly in your local park or garden and you might not even know it!

One of the best courtship displays in Britain; the dance of the Great Crested Grebe!

Photographer: Craig Richardson

To witness the amazing courtship dance of the Great Crested Grebe you need to head to your local lake! But if your local park has a decent-sized lake, you might find yourself with a front-row seat at one of nature’s great water ballets.

Grebes have a slight resemblance to ducks but are more graceful on water (however, not so much on land). They are also superb divers and can outpace their fish prey underwater! The Great Crested is the most handsome of our native grebe species, with a long sharp bill, fiery orange head plumage and a spiky crest. This headgear is an essential part of the mating dance!

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When both male and female Great Crested Grebes meet, both birds raise their crests, flare their fiery throat feathers and mantle their wings! Alternately, the birds bob and shake their heads, remaining beak to beak for long periods. One bird may then dash away – the retreat display – only to suddenly turn and face its pursuing partner. The birds then make synchronized dives and emerge holding weed in their bills. They then rear up, chest to chest, feet paddling madly, and offer each other a weedy present. Though the water is frothing below them during this ‘weed dance’, the two birds remain remarkably poised.

If the dance is successful, the two birds form a lasting bond, which then the female will allow the male to mate with her and the pair will begin building a raft from vegetation on which to nest!

Great crested grebes are now a relatively common sight on large ponds and lakes but they almost went extinct in the UK in the 19th century, as their orange tufts were much sought-after as decorations for fashionable hats. Fortunately, this pointless slaughter was stopped and the birds recovered.

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Freya Salter Freya Salter is a 12-year-old naturalist, amateur wildlife photographer and aspiring conservationist Instagram: @wildlife_drummer_girl

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Winter Sunset Photographer: Evstratov Viktor IG: @evik1962

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LET'S VISIT....

Gran Sasso Park, Italy

Photographer: Alexios Zetos IG: @alex.photographer.alps WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Valerio Mei

Gran Sasso Park & Surrounding Areas, Italy Explore the rugged and beautiful landscapes, the variety of wildlife that resides there - and how they survive the harsh, brutal winters of the Gran Sasso Park.

Visiting Gran Sasso Park and Laga Mountains National

Park means experiencing a wealth of biodiversity, Italian culture, and the traditional extraordinary Italian food there is to offer.

The Gran Sasso and Monti dell Laga National Park is one of the largest in Italy, with five provinces districts in its area borders.

The park has been a protected area since 1995, due to a victorious, lengthy battle fought by conservationists and environmentalists to protect the area from being developed into a ski resort like many places in Italy across the last 30 years.

In the area there are two most dominant and distinct mountain formations - Gran Sasso, which is entirely located within Abruzzo and secondly, Monti dell Laga - this mountain spans the three different regions of Abruzzo, Lazio and Marche.

Gran Sasso offers an entry experience unlike many places on earth. To travel around the park one can walk on foot and slowly feast the eyes on the landscape around you.

Alternatively, travelling on horseback or mountain bikes are permitted.

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Wildlife In Gran Sasso Park, Italy

Gran Sasso is well known for its mountainous landscapes and availability to ski. However, it's not widely known just how diverse the biodiversity residing in Gran Sasso is.

Gran Sasso's resident tree flora comprises mainly deciduous species; with the most common ones being beech, European silver firs as well as oaks which are abundant at lower elevations.

Recently, in the Gran Sasso area, Chamois has been re-introduced and live side-by-side with the remaining Roe deer that reside in the area.

Also to reside in Gran Sasso Park is 30 native wolves, foxes, and a small population of the rare and elusive wildcat. In the Lago di Penne Reserve, the last report was of otters being raised to help support the diminishing number of their species in Italy, with the hope to re-introduce the otters into the entire country.

There are known few pairs of Golden eagles and peregrine falcons that frequent the area. Other birding species include the common kestrel and the buzzard, as well as the nuthatch, snowfinch, rock partridge, rock pipit and alpine accentor.

Reptiles and amphibians include fascinating species to observe such as the Hydromantes italicus - a salamander that resides in caves around the Park.

Another reptile includes the alpine newt, the meadow viper as well as the common frog.

Finally, there has been several sightings of a truly magnificent, critically endangered species that are almost teething the brink of extinction- the marsican brown bear, also known as the 'Apennine brown bear'.

As of 2020 there has been a recorded of only 5060 individuals left, due to human disturbance in the area. However, rewilding and conservation initiatives in the National Park are taking control of the efforts to conserve the species

Photographer: Mike Darter IG: @jmdarter WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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The Winter Wildlands Photographer: Gordon Roach IG: @gordonroachphotography

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Begins With y t i v i t a e Cr Photographer: Kiran A Navale IG: @kiranxenos

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DAN KNIGHT

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER Photographer: Dan Knight IG: danknightphotos

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Hi! I am 25 years old and have been a wildlife photographer for around 7 years now. Away from my full time career in HR I am travelling the length of the country to document our native wildlife.

Dan Knight

Dan Knight is a published UK wildlife photographer with work that has been published in the BBC, ITV, and number of national newspapers in the UK.

Hi Dan, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed on our photography spotlight for Conker Nature Magazine!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself & what it is you do.

When, and what inspired you to get into photography, and do you have any favourite photographers you admire?

I have for as long as I can remember, had a passion for wildlife and the great outdoors.

I was introduced to the world of wildlife by my grandparents, we would often sit at the lounge window with the binoculars watching the various birds that visited their feeding station.

Fast forward a few years and I picked my Grandma’s Olympus bridge camera up and began snapping away and it hasn’t stopped since.

I think I tend to admire the image more these days, however Alan McFadyen and Morten Hilmer are definitely up there with my favourite photographers.

What does your photography mean to you?

That is a very good question and one I’ve been asked a few times over the years! For me being out in the wild is the place I can relax and unwind, so being able to combine that with photography is ideal.

What does your photography process consist of?

Before going out to photograph a species I always tend to have a few images in my head that I would like to capture, this keeps me on my toes and always on the lookout for that ‘perfect’ composition.

Photographer: Dan Knight IG: danknightphotos WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Dan Knight IG: danknightphotos WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Dan Knight IG: danknightphotos

What is your process when photographing, do you have a particular area or species you’re most drawn to?

Before going out to photograph a species I always tend to have a few images in my head that I would like to capture, this keeps me on my toes and always on the lookout for that ‘perfect’ composition. I do a vast amount of research before travelling to do photography, however I always love staying local and just heading out with the camera to see what I can spot.

What is your favourite animal, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

Such a tricky question! I don’t think I can select a favourite animal as there are far too many to choose from.

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I have had many many wildlife encounters over the years but the one that sticks out for me is photographing the fledged Peregrine Falcons last summer. The Peregrine has been high on my list of target species to photograph so being able to achieve this felt fantastic, it was incredible to watch them over a 5 week period develop their wing strength and practice food passes with each other.

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt about wildlife over the years?

Wildlife teaches us so much, everything fits together like a jigsaw and everything has a purpose (even wasps)!

There’s many things that I find interesting, but the one thing that fascinates me is the superb navigation skills of fledged Swallows that can find their way across the

world to Africa without ever doing it before.

Presently, what is your biggest aspiration in your photography?

Gosh, where do I start! I would love to have a highly commendable image in the British Wildlife Photography awards, the calibre of images from this competition constantly inspires me to push my creativity and image quality. I would also eventually like to start a Youtube channel to create videos and document my trips in the search for wildlife and continue to push and develop the workshops I offer.

Is there a specific species or place you’ve always wanted to experience?

I have one species and one place that I have always wanted to experience ever since I began wildlife photography.

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The species has to be the Polar Bear. I have watched so many documentaries and am blown away time and time again by how incredible these animals are. The one place I have always wanted to visit is the Falkland Islands for the Penguin population, I have spoken to people that have been and it's always made me want to make the trip.

Do you have a preferred camera you use, and a favourite lens?

I currently use the Nikon D750 and the Sigma 150600mm f5.6-6.3 and the majority of all my images have been captured using this equipment.

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However, I would eventually love to own the Nikon 600mm f4 so if anyone is looking to rehome their fortunes please let me know haha!!

leave me feeling deflated when I wasn’t producing the same level of images. Work on your own style and enjoy it!

What advice would you give to the past you and what advice would you give people with similar interests and dreams?

Brilliant! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Dan. I’m sure the readers of Conker Nature Magazine will enjoy learning more about you and your photography experience and appreciate your tips and advice!

My biggest piece of advice to past me and to any young person getting into the world of wildlife photography is to keep taking photos whenever they can and never compare your work to others.

That's something I struggled with a little when I first started and would often

Follow Dan's social media here IG - @danknightphotos Twitter- @DanKnightPhotos Facebook - Dan Knight Photography & Workshops

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PHOTOGRAPHER: JACK HAGUE

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NATURALIST WITH A LOVE FOR WRITING? STORYTELLER? POET? WILDLIFE BOOK CRITIC?

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LANDSCAPE & NATURE COLLECTION Photographer: Scott Duffield IG: scott.duffield.photography

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EURSIAN BEAVER RE-INTRODUCTION SUCCESS IN BRITAIN

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BRINGING BACK BEAVERS

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T

he greatest of recent 21st century re-introduction stories to take place in Britain

This story has given hope to may other re-introductions in the UK, which many once thought - like the beavers - it would be impossible to achieve.

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any of us grew up associating beavers with North America, not knowing they were once an integral part of British landscapes too. The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), was hunted to extinction in Britain in the 16th century, prized for its fur, meat, and the oil from its scent glands which was used in perfumes and medicine.

Reintroductions have been going on in Europe for around a century after the population dropped to just 1200 individuals, but we are finally catching up, and the last two decades have seen efforts to bring these amazing rodents back to our island.

It is very easy to find information on what beavers are and the benefits they bring, so I won't go into that here.

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Instead I'd like to tell the story of the reintroductions themselves.

It started in Scotland. After the European Habitats Directive 1992 encouraged Member States to consider the reintroduction of extinct species, in 1995 Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) began feasibility studies. They looked at the historical evidence of beavers there, suitable habitat sites, appropriate sources from populations on the continent, possible beaver movements across the landscape, and their potential impacts.

The first licence application for a trial reintroduction in 2005 was rejected, but this led to the Scottish Wildlife Trust becoming more involved

and joining forces with the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, and in 2008 a licence was granted.

In May 2009 three families of Eurasian beavers from Norway, 11 animals in total, were released in separate locations across Knapdale Forest in Argyll, beginning the five-year Scottish Beaver Trial.

In the meantime, wild beavers had also mysteriously appeared in eastern Scotland, on the River Tay in Perthshire.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Morrell Laura is a nature-loving, book-devouring, an ecology student, with a love for natural history. She writes frequently on her blog about topics from travel and food to nature and books.

IG: @lauraemorrell

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In 2012 the Scottish Government decided to allow them to stay for the remaining duration of the Scottish Beaver Trial, and set up the Tayside Beaver Study Group to monitor them.

It would then take the findings of both studies into account and make a decision on the future of all beavers in Scotland.

South of the border, beavers have been living wild again in England since around 2008, when they were spotted on the River Otter in south-east Devon.

As on the River Tay, these were of unknown origin.

When kits were seen in 2014, the UK Government intended to capture and remove all the beavers there to stop further breeding and spreading, but, backed by huge public support, the Devon Wildlife Trust stepped in with a plan for a five-year trial reintroduction, which was approved.

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'Once the animals had been caught and tested to confirm they were of Eurasian origin and healthy, they were returned to the river in 2015 - and the River Otter Beaver Trial began.'

There have also been around a dozen licensed releases onto enclosed sites around England and Wales, in efforts to help restore vital wetland habitats and improve biodiversity.

As early as 2002, Kent Wildlife Trust was the first to import, quarantine, and release two families of Eurasian beavers into a 30hectare enclosure on one of their nature reserves to help restore the south-east's last remaining fenland habitat at Ham Fen. In 2011 a pair were released into a 3-hectare enclosure on private land in Devon, followed by Cornwall in 2017, Essex in 2019, WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

Cornwall in 2017, Essex in 2019, Cheshire, Cumbria, the Knepp Estate in Sussex, and the National Trust Holnicote Estate in Somerset in 2020.

And in 2021 beavers were released in Dorset, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, a National Trust location in the South Downs, and for the first time in Wales at Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust's Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve.

There are of course conflicts and opposition, particularly with the wild beaver trials. Beaver activities may damage vegetation or cause flooding, affecting agricultural and forestry crops.

Although they are herbivores and don't eat fish, their dams may prevent the upstream migration of species like salmon and trout and affect fisheries.

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Their creation of wetlands can cause concern of increased flood risk, or flood risk to new areas. Their underground burrows can erode riverbanks. And they could carry and spread disease.

Of course people are going to be concerned about potential socio-economic and public health issues.

Plus, we humans don't like change very much, and in 500 years we've forgotten not only how to live alongside these animals but also that we once did. Our landscapes are vastly different to what they were when beavers were last here, and there are tens of millions more people.

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The wild beaver trials rigorously monitored every possible aspect: the ecology and health of the beavers themselves; the local populations of otters, fish, dragonflies and damselflies, and other fauna; the woodland, loch, and river habitats they inhabited; hydrology; water chemistry; scheduled ancient monuments; socio-economics including agriculture and forestry; and public health risks.

After reviewing the report, in 2016 the Scottish Government made the landmark decision that the beaver populations in Knapdale and Tayside could stay. They would be allowed to expand their range naturally, though careful management was needed to minimise negative impacts, and the government would work towards securing European Protected Species status for beavers in Scotland.

The vast amount of information gathered by the Scottish Beaver Trial and the Tayside Beaver Study Group were summarised in Scottish Natural Heritage's 2015 "Beavers in Scotland" report.

In 2017 the three-year Scottish Beaver Reinforcement Project began, to strengthen the Knapdale population with further releases from different genetic backgrounds.

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In 2019 the Protected Species status was granted, meaning it is illegal to kill beavers or destroy their dams or lodges, although culls when difficulties cannot be mitigated or managed another way are permitted under license.

The most recent NatureScot figures estimated the beaver population in Scotland to be somewhere between 600 and 1380, mainly in the Tay and Forth catchments.

In England, the UK Government hailed the success of the River Otter Beaver Trial in 2020, particularly the impact on the local ecology and flood risk reduction, and likewise allowed the beavers to stay, roam free, and expand their range subject to management. At that point there were 15 beaver families across the river's catchment.

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In 2021 Natural England published their recommendations for future licensed reintroductions into the wild, namely that they should be done at a measured pace to allow habitats, species, and people to adapt and time for problems to be resolved.

We have a habit of simplifying and overlooking how much work things take, but I hope I have given you a better idea of just how much has gone into these reintroduction efforts.

As the climate and biodiversity crisis continues, the wetlands that beavers Reintroducing beavers to create are vitally needed Britain has been a resounding for storage of carbon and success. While it may be nice to water, flood mitigation, and think that this is due to the as habitat for species under charisma and good work of the pressure - and this work animals themselves, it is to the must continue. These trials outstanding work of the have paved the way and left countless people involved that us with excellent guidelines we owe our thanks. to use going forward.

From Wildlife Trusts to government bodies, university research teams to local government, environmental health departments, farmers, fishermen, local community members, partners in Europe, landowners, enthusiasts, skeptics, and more.

Hopefully as time goes on we will see wild beaver numbers grow in new areas of the country - and maybe a glimpse of the wonderful creatures occasionally too.

For information on beavers visit the wildlife trust website www.wildlifetrusts.org/savingspecies/beavers

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Ending of the dullness Photographer: Olga Ezhenevskaya IG: @oliankaphoto

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CALL FOR WORK - APRIL 2022 IS NOW OPEN FOR WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY SPRING THEMED Submissions: www.conkernature.com PHOTOGRAPHER: ELENA MATYUSHENKO WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Interview with Sandi Monger Wildlife Conservationist & Wildlife Photographer

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Hi Sandi, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for Conker Nature Magazine!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what it is you do.

Firstly, Words I just want to Fry say thank you for

by Izzy having me in your magazine, it's truly incredible. I am a keen amateur wildlife photographer, naturalist, and conservationist who has traveled to many places to gain experience with animals or photograph the wildlife.

You are a graduate in animal behaviour, what is in your opinion, is the most fascinating species to observe with their behaviour?

This is a really hard question to answer so I don’t think I can say a certain species but I can say predators (from snakes to big cats). You have different kinds of predators which hunt in all different ways and I find them all fascinating especially when they are group living. The complex dynamics of a group are very entertaining and interesting to watch.

Do you have a favourite species, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

I don’t think I have a favourite species because it is always changing! However, I do have a favourite wildlife encounter to date. Spring 2021 we went on daily walks during lockdown and there was one route that we took the most. One day, we came across a tawny owl and her three owlets whilst on a walk.

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I had never seen an owl let alone four at one time, I was over the moon but in the quietest way possible. They were only small, grey balls of fluff that sat together on branches.

You are a volunteer for the RSPB, what is your favourite bird species and why?

This really depends on the time of year and experiences I have had. Currently, it’s the sparrowhawk.

I think they are beautiful medium sized birds with lovely colours, bright eyes and stick legs! I was never fortunate enough to get many visit the garden but I have seen them in local woodlands where I love to just watch them.

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What is one wildlife-filled paradise would you like to visit and why?

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt about wildlife over the years?

Even though I am desperate to go back to South Africa that is not the place I’m going to say!

I would say India, Ecuador or Peru. I’ve seen photographs and know people who have seen and been to those countries and the wildlife looks outstanding. You are guaranteed to see a gem anywhere from the leaf litter to the tallest tree, every corner will have some sort of spectacle waiting to be spotted. I’m a person who appreciates it all: the creepy crawlies, bird, reptiles and mammals. I’ll enjoy it all!

Wildlife is completely unpredictable. When at university or studying in the field with animals you will have an understanding of that species but at the same time, you’re not in its mind, you can’t communicate and that’s the beauty. I have observed many species in which I knew of most of their behavioural traits but sometimes, every now and then something happens which completely surprises you.

For example, in the summer of 2021 I found a sparrowhawk nest.

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I witnessed many behaviours such as aerial displays, nest building, mating, food passes and raising of chicks.

When the male had food, he would bring it on 1 of 2 branches and call for the female. The female would often come out of the nest and eat but sometimes she didn’t, so the male took the food and stored it. The female would then come out when she was hungry, collect the food and eat away. I was not expecting this and after speaking to a few keen birders, they hadn’t witnessed this either!! How incredible is that?!

As well as being an animal behaviourist and naturalist, you’re also a wildlife photographer. When, and what inspired you to get into photography, and do you have any favourite photographers you admire?

I have always suffered with anxiety and it has made me quite reliant on being highly social.

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I used to like being around people constantly as I would struggle on my own.

When I went to university it wasn’t a problem in first year because everyone wanted to make friends but by second year, I wanted to go out on my own, adventure and have a good time. That’s why I bought the camera, it helped me get out and about and after a while I started to really enjoy it. I never really joined social media channels, blogs, podcasts until much later so I never really followed any photographers. I guess I don’t have people I admire, just people I appreciate the photographs of.

You’ve been to many places across the UK and visited places such as South Africa.

Do you have a favourite species you’ve photographed in each of these locations, and why did you choose these species?

Whilst I haven’t visited everywhere in the UK and having some more destinations planned for this year.

I would say my favourite species to photograph in the UK so far is the kingfisher.

They are much smaller than you think, brightly coloured and beautiful birds. Every time I see one I’m in ‘awe’.

Again, I didn’t visit too many places whilst I was in South Africa but my favourite group to photograph was the reptiles. I have always had a fascination with them but once seeing them in the wild it just grew further. I witnessed them perform behaviours I never saw when studying at college (they were in captivity). There were so many about that you were always guaranteed to photograph something.

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Presently, what is the biggest aspiration you aim for in your career?

Currently, I am not in a conservation role and that’s where I aim to be.

After university, I struggled to get a job and after 3 months of searching I Words by Izzy Fry really needed money, so I applied for anything. This resulted in retail and that’s where I still am.

My main aim is to learn how to drive.

Living in a biggish city meant that I never needed to learn (with it being so expensive and bad for the environment) but since looking for careers in conservation I realised you need to. Alongside this, the other thing is to gain more experience. Just before coronavirus hit us I applied for many volunteering roles but couldn’t make it due to people not taking on new volunteers or because of restrictions. Now things have settled slightly, I am volunteering at the RSPB and will hopefully be helping out with more practical conservation tasks over the next few months. Small but steady steps to help me get my career!!

You are a volunteer for the RSPB, what is your favourite bird species and why?

The advice I would give my younger self is to drive sooner!! Honestly, that’s my main problem. My advice for others would experience!!!

Depending on where you want to go, many places value experience over qualifications. I have many different types of experiences under my belt WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

from zoo keeping, Finally, what do you think visitor/guest experience of our new magazine? and engagement, practical I LOVE the new magazine!! I conservation to help ARC think it’s a great read with so (amphibian and reptile many wonderful photographs conservation), animal and interviews with people care within a college too. environment and being research assistant in Brilliant! Thanks for taking South Africa. All these the time to answer my roles have different and unique aspects to the work questions, Sandi. I’m sure the readers of Conker Nature and I discovered quickly Magazine will enjoy learning which roles best suited more about you and what you me. You will not love do in the wildlife industry. everything you do but by getting experience you Follow Sandi's Instagram here: can figure that out and @sandi_monger_photographs rule them out!

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BEARDED TIT IN SUNRISE Photographer: Roos Bruijns IG: @roosmarijn.bruijns

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CALL FOR WORK - LITTLE CONKERS MARCH 2022, NOW OPEN! FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, ART, STORIES, INTERVIEWS - AGED 16 & UNDER FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM PHOTO: BENAJIMN FALLOW WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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SKILLED HUNTERS, DOMINATORS OF THE AIR & MASTER OF FLIGHT. Photographer: Raffaele Piazzolla IG: @raffaelepiazzollaphotographer

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WINTER IN THE MARSHLANDS Photographer: Scott Duffield IG: scott.duffield.photography

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Walk this way THE BEST WALKS ACROSS THE PEAK DISTRICK

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Kenvin-Lane

1 Chee, Miller's, and Wye Dale, 2 Derbyshire

Bakewell to Chatsworth, Derbyshire

In the White Peak, east of burton l a charming countryside; full of enchanting natural beauty and together makes a remarkable and truly stunning landscape to escape and while away the hours to, exploring the wonders the dales behold.

Arguably one of the most tranquil of walks, especially during mid-winter - where you'll often find most meadows and fields deserted - giving you time and peace to spot wildlife, such as herding deer grazing and roaming around without human disturbance about.

For some the dales may have it's challenges. However the 6.8 kilometre looped walk is easily accessible and caters to all people regardless of age, ability, or a sense of adventure.

Along the 12 km circular walk, you'll walk the town residing the famous creation of the Bakewell pudding and ambling across the fields of Carlton Pastures to come across to the final destination - the Duke of Devonshire's home and parklands

Sit and enjoy a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the nearby river and nature coming into view when visiting the three dales in the Peak District.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Andy Chester

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SADDLEWORTH MOOR From lush green rolling hills, architecture and robust history, Saddleworth moor is worth a visit to explore.

Enjoy the 12km walk across the great watershed - the Pennine Divide - which bridges together the two nieghbouring towns of Marsden and Uppermill by boat-horse trails.

Saddleworth work links the Colne and Tame valleys full of spectacular wildlife and scenery!

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Photographer: Vladimir Korolkov

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Photographer: Matthew Gibson

CHROME HILL, DERBYSHIRE

The Dragon's back is perhaps one of the most beautiful trails and landscapes in the Peak District and with that, the Dragon's Back ranges are frequently cited as the only true peak to exist in the Peak District.

The line of pinnacles is often said to resemble the plates along the spine of the stegosaurus dinosaur.

The route is 6.2 miles, The walk lasts around 4 hours, and is moderate - the walk includes seven short, steep climbs to each of the summits of the Dragon's Back at Chrome Hill, Derbyshire.

Photographer: Chris Gartside

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Photographer: Simon Lister

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Monsal Dale, Derbyshire

Monsal Dale is one of the lesser known locations in the Peak District.

The walk takes you along the River Wye's twisted and wooded gorge, deep within the area of where the White Peaks are located.

Here, you'll be able to see the high tracks and riverside pathways of the Monsal Dales. In autumn the flora in the area burst into a beautiful spectacular display of autumn seasonal colours.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: ALAN CLARK

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NATURALIST WITH A LOVE FOR WRITING? STORYTELLER? POET? WILDLIFE BOOK CRITIC?

we want you!

WILDLIFE/NATURE/TRAVEL Submissions: www.conkernature.com WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Winter photos IG: @IRI_PHOTOO WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Visiting Winter Photographer: Tanya Dorozhko IG: @ta.nyshkin.d

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BULLFINCHES & BERRIES Photographer: Evstratov Viktor IG: @evik1962

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Long-tailed Tit Photographer: Evstratov Viktor IG: @evik1962

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CALL FOR WORK - APRIL 2022 IS NOW OPEN FOR WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY & WRITING SPRING THEMED Submissions: www.conkernature.com PHOTOGRAPHER: EVSTRATOV VIKTOR WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Next Month....

Spring Wildlife - Deadline 28th February WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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